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My wife and I went to see Steve at Ross Custom Switches, and he was nothing if not completely accommodating to both my wife, and to me. When he explained several of his techniques, he took care to explain to my wife so that she would not just feel like a third wheel in the room. We both enjoyed the trip, and the tour very much. Mystic CT is also a very enjoyable place, and we plan to go back again very soon.

Steve did inform me, however, that he does not make RossBed for the his Ross O-36 curves, which I was using for the complete main outer loop of my L-Shaped layout. After talking a bit, I realized that I could use O-42, everywhere except for the end around my yard. O-36 is the largest that I can use there, without going wider with the table there, and that would not be preferable.

I can use O-31 with a longer straight between the two corners, but I would much rather use O-36. Now, Atlas-O makes O-36 curves, and I see RossBed listed in his price sheet for Atlas O-36 curves.

The question is this: Would it be possible to join the Atlas-O curves to the Ross straights, with the RossBed for both, without any joining issues? Would the track simply join up with the adapter pins, with the RossBed also joining right up? I also notice that Atlas has Brown Ties while Ross has Black Ties. Would this look just to much out of place?

I have attached my newest layout (Versuib 06B) with the O-42 curves on the outer loop except for O-36 at the end of the "L" around the yard.

I also attached the older layout (Version 06) with O-31 cirves around the end of the yard.

Thanks,

Roger

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Last edited by Rich Melvin
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Roger:

I am using Atlas O track with Ross turnouts.

With respect to color once ballast is added to the track a difference in color will be hard to see. Even w/o ballast which is the state my layout is in now I really don't notice the color difference.

With respect to mating Atlas O to Ross there are two ways - 

1. Use the Atlas O rail joiners. You will need to cut off the mating pins on the Atlas O track and undercut the end ties on the Ross track to use the joiners. since I don't want to 'mess' up the Ross turnouts I use Ross 3 inch track on all outputs.

2. Cut the mating pin off the Atlas O track and simply butt the two tracks together and screw in place. You will need to add power and ground to both sides but you are doing this anyway. I have not tried this method as yet so am not sure if there will be any sparking when the wheels pass over the connection but I doubt it since this technique is routinely used for isolated rails - accessories. Guess my only concern would be the power rollers.

connecting Ross to Atlas 001

Joe

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Images (1)
  • connecting Ross to Atlas 001

Keith:

Yep - that's what I assume totrainyard was talking about.

I have attached a more appropriate picture below. It shows the connection / the difference in tie width and color and a more controlled undercut of the Ross ties.

Since I can't think of a good reason to change the layout for a long time i have decided to add solder to the rail joiners to make sure they don't loosen up with use. I am using Splitjaw connectors for power and ground so am not worried about these. They are rock solid. https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...-on-split-jaw-clamps

 

 

Joe

Ross to Atlas O 005

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Images (1)
  • Ross to Atlas O 005
Model Structures posted:

Keith:

Yep - that's what I assume totrainyard was talking about.

I have attached a more appropriate picture below. It shows the connection / the difference in tie width and color and a more controlled undercut of the Ross ties.

Since I can't think of a good reason to change the layout for a long time i have decided to add solder to the rail joiners to make sure they don't loosen up with use. I am using Splitjaw connectors for power and ground so am not worried about these. They are rock solid. https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/t...-on-split-jaw-clamps 

Joe

 

I am very interested in using the Split Jaw power and ground connectors, and when I went to the website, I found several code sizes, so I called them and asked which was for O gauge track, and was told to use the Code-250 for O-Gauge. They have 3 widths of Code_250, and I would like to know which would be the right size for Ross tack:

3.5 to 4 mm / 4.5 to 5 mm / 5.5 to 6 mm?

Thanks, Roger

 

Last edited by RWL
Model Structures posted:

Roger:

The part number I am using is B-250-PSC-5.0 which is the Brass version. The crimp connects will hold 14-16 gauge wire. If you are using Atlas O track you will need to notify Splitjaw. They need to shave off about 1/32 from each side.

Thanks Joe

I appreciate the part number.

I will be using all Ross track with the one possible acception of the 180 degree curve around my yard, so all of the connections will be to Ross Track, and won't require to be cut down.

Roger

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